Conduct Of Downrange Feedback

During IET basic rifle marksmanship, downrange feedback is conducted with paper targets at 75 meters, 175 meters, and 300 meters. Shot groups are fired progressively at the 75-meter target, then the 175-meter and 300-meter range targets. Half of the bullets are fired from the supported fighting position and the other half from the prone unsupported position. After each group is fired, soldiers move downrange to mark their targets. Based on this feedback, soldiers receive a critique from their instructor/trainer/coach, and apply any needed sight changes or aiming adjustments. Army training centers conduct modified versions of downrange feedback based on the availability of the KD range or modified field fire range.

The downrange feedback exercise must be conducted within the constraints of time, ammunition, and available ranges. If 30 rounds of ammunition are available for training, firing 3-round shot groups 10 times is preferable over firing 5-round shot groups 6 times. Once the soldier understands the concept for adjusting the aiming point to compensate for the effects of wind and gravity, he is ready to apply his knowledge on the field-fire range.

To confirm zero, soldiers are placed in firing orders and issued one magazine of 6 to 10 rounds. Firers confirm their zero by firing two 3-round or 5-round shot groups at the 175- or 300-meter feedback targets. The firing line is then cleared, and firers move downrange to inspect their targets, to review their adjusted aiming performance, or to make sight adjustments. Each firer repairs his target by placing target pasters over the holes (black on black, white on white) and then moves back to the firing line.

Firing at 75-meter targets. Feedback can be provided after each round, each 3-round shot group, or each 5-round shot group on the 75-meter feedback targets. Soldiers fire from the supported and prone unsupported positions. The firing line is then cleared, and each firer and instructor/trainer/coach move downrange to inspect targets. Feedback consists of a critique of performance, adjustments to point of aim for gravity or wind effects, and evaluation of shot placement. Target spotters (markers) (Figure G-30) are placed in the bullet holes so hits can be viewed from the firing line.

Firing at 175-meter targets. Firers engage the 175-meter target using the same downrange procedure as the 75-meter target. The 175-meter target is engaged from the supported and prone unsupported positions.

Firing at 300-meter targets. The 300-meter target is engaged using the same downrange procedure as the 75-meter target. Firers use the supported and prone unsupported positions.

Target marking. When the initial shot group is fired, target spotters (markers) should be placed in each bullet hole, placing white spotters on the silhouette and black spotters off the silhouette.

This procedure ensures that the firer can see his performance when he returns to the firing line, that the tower operator can direct instructors/trainers to soldiers having the greatest problems, and that instructors/trainers can quickly assess firing problems (Figure G-30). Soldiers are motivated to fire better since their peers can observe their performance. On the second and subsequent trips to the target, the target spotters (markers) should be moved and placed in the holes of the new shot group. The old holes must be pasted, using black pasters on black and white pasters on white. Failure